The 2016 Legislative Session adjourned for the final time last week.The legislature had been called back into session to complete the 2016 supplemental budgets. While passing the 2016 Supplemental Budget

Industry News

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The James Beard Foundation released its long list of semifinalists for its prestigious Restaurant and Chef Awards Thursday. The chefs, restaurateurs, restaurants and beverage professionals were selected from more than 20,000 online entries as well as from national and regional panels comprised of food and beverage writers and editors and past Beard Award winners. (Restaurant Hospitality)

Four of Union Square Hospitality Group’s newest restaurants and one Shake Shack location have gone cashless, a growing trend that comes with a learning curve for some customers. Only about 11% of US consumers prefer to pay for purchases with cash, according to credit card services firm TSYS, and operators say cash-free concepts allow staffers to focus on service. (Eater)

Supermarket operator Kroger has launched a Culinary Innovation Center in Cincinnati to focus on prepared food innovation and position itself as part of the restaurant industry. In-store restaurants were on track to grow 3.5% in 2017 and book sales of about $42.3 billion, according to an NRA report released last year. (WCPO-TV)

René started his career in hospitality at the age of 15 as a cook at a hotel in Zurich, Switzerland. Moving to Toronto (without even knowing English) and eventually to Seattle, Renaissance Seattle General Manager René Neidhart has been in hotel management for over two decades in Seattle. (Greater Seattle Business Association)

Each month, members of the Seattle Restaurant Alliance meet for industry updates, presentations on a hot topic and a discussion on a trending topic or best practices. Meetings are also a great place to strengthen your connection to fellow restaurateurs. All Seattle restaurant owners and managers are welcome.